The water delivered by Denver Water to all its customers, including those within the District, is lead free. However, this program aims to reduce the likelihood of lead getting into the drinking water as it passes through lead-containing household plumbing and service lines that are owned by the customer.

Last week, Denver Water started changing the pH levels of the water they deliver to 1.4 million people. This new pH range is between 8.5 and 9.2, with a target of 8.8, making the water slightly less acidic, which will reduce the corrosivity of the water. Prior to the increase, the water delivered by Denver Water had a pH level between 7.5 and 8.5, with a target level of 7.8. The pH adjustment will strengthen a protective coating inside the pipes, reducing the likelihood of lead getting into drinking water as it passes through lead-containing pipes and household plumbing.

Increasing the pH level is the result of a study that Denver Water, along with state and federal governments, has been conducting since 2015 to find ways to help keep lead out of the drinking water delivered to their customers. Denver Water states that this will not have an impact on the taste or odor of the water. They believe this change will go unnoticed by the general public other than the water may feel more “slippery.”

This pH increase is system wide and will take place for the duration of their Lead Reduction Program, which is scheduled to last 15 years. Any questions you may have on this pH increase can be answered on Denver Water’s webpage: Adjusting the pH in Drinking Water.